Learn 97 questions from SSC CGL 2025 Tier-1 (Shift-1)

SSC CGL 2025 Tier-1 (Shift-1) Questions

• Perfidious means deceitful and untrustworthy. "Treacherous" is the direct synonym.

• A Hobson's choice refers to a situation where you are offered one thing or nothing; take it or leave it.

• Since perfidious means faithless, the opposite (antonym) is someone who stays true or loyal.

• The correct spelling is Quintessence (ends in "-ence," not "-ance").

• This refers to a shunt from the brain's ventricle to the peritoneal cavity.

Censure is the formal expression of severe disapproval or criticism.

• The context suggests the infrastructure struggled to keep up. 
• Barely means "only just" or "hardly."

We typically say "conditions occur under [certain circumstances]."

• This is a comparative sentence using "than." Therefore, "proved more complicated than expected" is correct.

• The subject is the noun clause "That the report... causes," which is singular. The verb should be was, not "were."

• The original is Present Perfect Continuous. 
• The passive form requires: has/have + been + being + past participle.

They have been neglecting maintenance of the archives for years.

Maintenance of the archives had been neglected by them for years.

Maintenance of the archives is being neglected by them for years.

Maintenance of the archives has been being neglected by them for years.

• An Introit is a psalm or anthem sung while a priest enters the celebrant's area.
•  In all five sentences provided, the word is used in this same musical/liturgical context. 
• For a "homonym" question to work, one of the sentences would usually need to use the word to mean something else (though "introit" rarely has other meanings) or provide a word that sounds the same but is spelled differently (homophone).

The child sang the introit during the intermission.

The introit was replaced by an organ improvisation.

The missal included Latin text for the introit.

The person seated to the immediate right of A

The person seated to the immediate left of A

OPTION C - (4,6,8) is the odd one because all other sets are prime numbers.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">States Reorganisation Act, 1956</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 was a major political reform in India that took place on 1st November 1956.</li><li>This act was enacted based on the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), which was formed in 1953.</li><li>The primary objective of this act was to reorganise the states of India based on linguistic lines, which led to the creation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories.</li><li>This reform addressed long-standing demands for linguistic states and reshaped the map of India.</li></ul><h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Zonal Councils</h3><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Zonal Councils are statutory advisory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (Part III).</li><li>They were set up to foster cooperative federalism and address issues of common interest among states within a zone.</li><li>The act divides India into five zones: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Southern.</li><li>First Central Zonal Council meeting: The formation of Zonal Councils followed the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act. The first meetings of these councils were held shortly after, in 1957. The Central Zonal Council comprises Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand.</li><li>Eastern Zonal Council meeting, 2022: The Eastern Zonal Council includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. Meetings of the Zonal Councils are held periodically to discuss regional issues. The 2022 meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council was a recent event, reflecting the ongoing relevance of these bodies in inter-state coordination.</li></ul><h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Chronological Order</h3>Based on the above information, the chronological order of the events is:<ol style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>States Reorganisation Act passed (1956): This foundational act paved the way for the establishment of Zonal Councils.</li><li>First Central Zonal Council meeting (1957): This meeting occurred after the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act.</li><li>Eastern Zonal Council meeting 2022: This is the most recent event among the given options.</li></ol>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Right to Property in the Indian Constitution</h3>

<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Article 300A of the Constitution of India deals with the right to property. It states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.</li>
 <li>This right was introduced by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978.</li>
 <li>Prior to this amendment, the right to property was a fundamental right under Article 31. However, it was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the same amendment.</li>
 <li>Thus, the right to property is now a constitutional legal right, not a fundamental right.</li>
 <li>The key implication of this change is that the remedy available for the violation of this right is no longer through Article 32 (writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court), but through Article 226 (writ jurisdiction of the High Courts) and ordinary statutory remedies.</li>
 <li>The phrase "save by authority of law" is crucial. It means that any deprivation of property must be backed by a valid law enacted by the Parliament or State Legislature. This law must be reasonable, fair, and just.</li>
 <li>The State can acquire or requisition property for public purposes, but it must be through due process of law and with provisions for adequate compensation.</li>
 <li>The Supreme Court has held that the "authority of law" must mean a valid law that is not arbitrary and is in accordance with the principles of natural justice.</li>
 <li>It is important to note that the right to property under Article 300A does not include the right to have property, only the right to hold property that one lawfully possesses.</li>
</ul>

It is a fundamental right that guarantees compensation for all property acquisitions.

It allows the State to deprive a person of property by any law, even without due process.

It is a constitutional legal right that permits deprivation only by authority of law.

It permits citizens to claim property protection under Article 32 before the Supreme Court.

Proportional to its distance from the axis

Inversely proportional to its distance from the axis

Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Cheraw: The Bamboo Dance of Mizoram</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Cheraw, famously known as the 'Bamboo Dance', is a traditional and vibrant folk dance originating from the state of Mizoram in Northeast India.</li>
<li>This dance is performed by the Mizo community, primarily by the women, who move rhythmically between and over diagonally crossed and horizontal bamboo poles.</li>
<li>The dance is characterized by the skillful manipulation of bamboo sticks, which are laid on the ground in a horizontal criss-cross pattern.</li>
<li>Dancers, typically girls, step in and out of the moving bamboo squares, demonstrating remarkable agility, coordination, and timing.</li>
<li>The beats of the dance are synchronized with the clapping of the bamboo poles.</li>
<li>Cheraw is usually performed during festivals and important social occasions, such as Pawl Kut and Chapchar Kut, which are harvest festivals in Mizoram.</li>
<li>Historically, Cheraw is believed to have originated as a dance performed after clearing forests for jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn agriculture), celebrating the new beginning.</li>
<li>The dance requires immense precision and practice, as a single misstep can lead to injury.</li>
<li>It is often referred to as a 'dance of celebration' and is a significant part of Mizo cultural heritage.</li>
<li>The dance form has gained national and international recognition, showcasing the unique culture of Mizoram.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Constitutional Lists in India</h3>
The Constitution of India divides the legislative powers between the Union (Central) Government and the State Governments through three lists mentioned in the Seventh Schedule:
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Union List (List I): Subjects of national importance, over which only the Parliament can legislate. Examples include defence, foreign affairs, railways, banking, etc.</li>
 <li>State List (List II): Subjects of regional and local importance, over which State Legislatures have the primary power to legislate. Examples include public order, police, public health, agriculture, etc.</li>
 <li>Concurrent List (List III): Subjects on which both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws. If there is a conflict, the Union law prevails.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976</h3>
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, significantly altered the distribution of powers between the Union and the States.
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Key Changes Regarding Education:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Prior to the 42nd Amendment, 'Education' was a subject under the State List (Entry 11 of List II).</li>
 <li>Through the 42nd Amendment, five subjects, including 'Education', were transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List.</li>
 <li>The other subjects transferred were:</li>
 <ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Administration of Justice; constitution and organisation of all courts except the Supreme Court and the High Courts.</li>
 <li>Education, including universities, and other institutions of higher education, scientific and technical education.</li>
 <li>Forests.</li>
 <li>Protection of wild animals and birds.</li>
 <li>Weights and Measures.</li>
 </ul>
</ul>
<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Significance of the Transfer to Concurrent List:</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>This move aimed at ensuring uniformity in educational standards and policies across the country.</li>
 <li>It allowed the Central Government to play a more active role in planning and coordinating educational development at the national level, while still allowing states to have their own specific approaches.</li>
 <li>Subjects in the Concurrent List allow for cooperative federalism, where both levels of government can legislate on the same matter.</li>
</ul>
Exam Fact: The 42nd Amendment is often referred to as a 'Mini-Constitution' due to the extensive changes it brought about in the Indian Constitution.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) - 2024</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The primary goal of the NFCS, launched in 2024, is to establish and enhance the delivery of sector-specific climate information services across India.</li>
<li>This initiative aims to bridge the gap between climate science and the practical needs of various sectors vulnerable to climate change impacts.</li>
<li>Key Objectives include:
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Enhancing Climate Data and Products: Improving the availability, accessibility, and quality of climate data and derived products tailored for specific sectors like agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster management.</li>
<li>Strengthening Institutional Capabilities: Building the capacity of national and regional meteorological agencies, research institutions, and user organizations to generate and utilize climate information effectively.</li>
<li>Promoting Climate-Resilient Practices: Facilitating the integration of climate information into planning and decision-making processes to support adaptation and mitigation strategies.</li>
<li>Improving User Engagement: Fostering collaboration and communication between climate service providers and end-users to ensure the relevance and applicability of the services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The NFCS is envisioned as a crucial step towards building a climate-resilient India by ensuring that timely and actionable climate information reaches decision-makers at all levels.</li>
<li>This framework is expected to play a significant role in India's climate action plans and sustainable development goals.</li>
</ul>

To deliver sector-specific climate information services

To mandate carbon offsetting in the private sector

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Origin of Argon in Earth's Crust</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Argon, a noble gas, is primarily formed in the Earth's crust through the radioactive decay of Potassium-40 (K-40).</li>
<li>Potassium-40 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope of potassium, which is abundant in the Earth's crust and mantle.</li>
<li>The decay process of K-40 can occur in two main ways:
<ol style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Electron capture (about 89.3% of decays) leading to the formation of Argon-40 (Ar-40).</li>
<li>Beta decay (about 10.7% of decays) leading to the formation of Calcium-48 (Ca-48).</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>The Argon-40 produced gets trapped within the rock matrix where the K-40 decay occurs.</li>
<li>Over geological timescales, this process has led to the accumulation of significant amounts of argon within the Earth's crust.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Exam-Related Facts:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Argon constitutes approximately 0.934% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume, making it the third most abundant gas after nitrogen and oxygen.</li>
<li>While most atmospheric argon is radiogenic (from K-40 decay), a small fraction is primordial (present since Earth's formation).</li>
<li>The ratio of Argon-40 to Potassium-40 in rocks is used in geochronology to determine the age of rocks, a technique known as Potassium-Argon dating. This method is crucial for understanding Earth's geological history.</li>
<li>Potassium-40 has a long half-life of approximately 1.25 billion years, which is suitable for dating ancient rocks.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Justiciability of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Fundamental Rights (FRs) are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12-35). They are considered justiciable, meaning individuals can approach courts (High Courts under Article 226 and the Supreme Court under Article 32) for their enforcement if they are violated.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court has held that the basic structure of the Constitution cannot be amended, and Fundamental Rights form part of this basic structure.</li>
<li>Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are laid down in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36-51). These are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by any court.</li>
<li>However, DPSPs are considered fundamental in the governance of the country, and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.</li>
<li>Article 37 explicitly states that DPSPs are not enforceable by any court, but the principles laid down therein are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.</li>
<li>The distinction between FRs and DPSPs has been a subject of judicial interpretation, notably in cases like Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India (1980), where the Supreme Court emphasized the harmony and balance between the two.</li>
<li>While FRs provide the political and civil liberties to citizens, DPSPs aim to establish a welfare state by directing the State to work towards social and economic justice.</li>
<li>In case of a conflict between FRs and DPSPs, Fundamental Rights generally prevail due to their justiciable nature. However, Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights to give effect to certain DPSPs, provided the amendment does not damage the basic structure of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>

Both are justiciable and enforceable by courts

DPSPs override Fundamental Rights when in conflict

Fundamental Rights are justiciable, but DPSPs are not

DPSPs are guaranteed by the Constitution; Fundamental Rights are optional

Unlike many other rock-cut sites with diverse mythological narratives, the Elephanta Caves primarily showcase Shaivite themes, centering around Lord Shiva. This strong emphasis on a single deity's iconography and mythology is a significant characteristic.

They are primarily Buddhist caves with large stupas.

The caves focus on Shaivite themes and feature sculptural depth through light and shadow.

They contain a mix of Jain and Vaishnavite depictions in pillar halls.

The caves are entirely monolithic structures from the Mauryan period.

Multiple sources suggested the operation was compromised internally.

The operation was compromised, multiple sources suggested.

The sources were suggesting an operation compromise.

The operation had compromised multiple internal sources.

• The Goncha Festival, celebrated primarily in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, involves a unique mock combat using a 'Tupki'.

• Tupki is a rudimentary firearm crafted from bamboo.

Tupki, a mock gun made of bamboo, uses Goncha fruit as bullets.

The chariot procession was started by Chalukya rulers.

Rath Yatra begins on Ashadh Shukla Dashmi and ends on Dutiya. 

• in Carnatic music, rhythm is organized using talas, which are cyclical rhythmic units.

• A tala is composed of various components, including angas (limbs).

• The primary angas are laghu, drutam, and anudrutam.

• Founder: Judo was founded by Jigoro Kano.

• Year of Establishment: It was introduced in the year 1882.

• Country of Origin: Judo originated in Japan.

Judo was introduced in 1882 by Jigoro Kano in Japan.

India's first National Judo Championship was held in 1970 at Delhi University.

Kalpana Devi won gold at the 2010 Judo World Cup.

The author argues that wisdom is not tied to institutional schooling but is instead a product of lived experience and practical reality.

Evidence from Text: The passage states, "Conversely, many wise individuals—farmers, artisans, elders—may not possess formal education, but their decisions exhibit prudence and sagacity cultivated through lived realities."

Date: 12th January 2025

Venue: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

The National Cross Country Championships is a premier athletics event in India, organized annually by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

10th January 2025, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

The entire passage is structured as a comparison between two distinct concepts: Education and Wisdom.

Evidence from Text: The author defines education as "the formal acquisition of knowledge" involving "degrees" and "curricula" (Formal learning). In contrast, wisdom is described as the "judicious application of knowledge to real-life contexts" (Applied wisdom).

The Conflict: The passage highlights that while education "equips the mind," wisdom "enriches the soul." It argues that being "extensively educated" does not automatically make one wise, as wisdom requires "trial, failure, and reflection."

The 2024 India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) primarily aims to bolster post-establishment investor confidence.

This enhanced confidence is sought through the assurance of Standard Treatment and National Treatment for investors.

Proposes joint sovereign funds and links INR swap with UAE banks.

Focuses on pre-establishment rights and UAE-based arbitration.

Assures post-establishment investor confidence via standard and national treatment.

Aims at GCC-wide tax regulation under India-led digital framework.

• The Santosh Trophy 2022-23 final marked a significant milestone as it was held outside of India for the first time in its history.

• The final match took place in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. This was a notable departure from tradition, as the tournament is primarily an Indian domestic football competition.

This book by Kavitha Iyer offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted impacts of drought in India. It transcends a mere narrative of environmental crisis, delving into the interconnectedness of ecological devastation and its severe human consequences.

A study on drought's human and ecological impacts in India.

fictional story about a family in a drought-hit area.

A history of monsoon patterns and ancient agriculture in India.

A colonial-era policy analysis of water management.

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna is currently a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India.

• He was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 11th November 2024.

The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000, adopted by the Government of India, outlines a comprehensive approach to population stabilization. Its objectives are a direct response to the demographic challenges faced by the country.

 Providing free and compulsory education up to 14 years of age

Increasing fertility rate to ensure demographic dividend

Reducing infant mortality rate below 30 per 1000 live births

• The Electron Transport Chain (ETC) is the final stage of aerobic cellular respiration and is responsible for generating the vast majority of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), the cell's primary energy currency.

• While glycolysis and the Krebs cycle produce a small amount of ATP directly (substrate-level phosphorylation), the ETC utilizes the energy from electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) produced in earlier stages to create a significant ATP yield through oxidative phosphorylation.

• A hanging valley is a remnant of a tributary glacial valley that has been truncated by a deeper, main glacial valley.

• These valleys typically open into the main valley at a higher elevation than the valley floor of the main valley.

Statement 1: Hanging valleys are often found opening into main glacial valleys at higher elevations,

Statement 2: Spurs of such hanging valleys are frequently truncated into trangular facets. 

• The primary purpose of the Crew Escape System (CES) on ISRO's Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-III (HLVM3) is to ensure the safety of the astronauts onboard during critical phases of the launch.

• In the event of any anomaly or emergency during the ascent trajectory, the CES is designed to rapidly propel the crew module, containing the astronauts, away from the malfunctioning launch vehicle.

To guide the crew module into its designated Low Earth Orbit.

To eject the crew module to safety during launch emergencies.

To assist in docking the crew module with a space station.

To provide thermal shielding during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

The passage explicitly links the widening gap (or "schism") between education and wisdom to the modern methods used in schools and the current digital environment.

Evidence from Text: The author states, "In an era dominated by information overload and algorithmic thinking, the schism between the two has widened." It further clarifies that "Educational institutions often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over critical thinking and moral reasoning."

Because of rote learning and algorithmic methods

Because people stop learning after school

The Full Correct Sentence:
"She has the reputation of being a kind woman."

Explanation
In English grammar, certain nouns are followed by specific prepositions rather than infinitives (to + verb).

Prepositional Idiom: The word "reputation" is idiomatic when followed by the preposition "of" + a gerund (-ing form of the verb). We say "reputation of being" or "reputation for being," but "reputation to be" is considered grammatically incorrect in this context.

Article Usage: The phrase "of being a kind woman" is correct because it refers to her as one of many people who are kind (indefinite article). "The kind woman" would imply she is the only one or a specific one already mentioned, which doesn't fit the general nature of a reputation.

Consistency: While "to be kind-hearted" makes sense logically, it doesn't fix the grammatical mismatch between the noun "reputation" and the infinitive "to be."

The primary grammatical rule at play here is Parallel Structure (Parallelism).

Parallelism: When a sentence lists two or more actions or ideas, they must follow the same grammatical pattern. In the original sentence, the doctor gave two pieces of advice:

Action 1: to avoid eating sweets.

Action 2: doing exercise regularly.

"To avoid" (infinitive) and "doing" (gerund) do not match. Since the sentence begins with "The doctor advised him to...", the second action should also be in the infinitive form (to exercise).

Logic and Meaning: The original sentence literally says he should "avoid... doing exercise regularly," which is the opposite of what a doctor would typically advise! By changing the structure to "to avoid eating sweets and to exercise," the sentence clearly separates the two distinct instructions:

Instruction A: Avoid sweets.

Instruction B: Exercise regularly.

avoiding sweets and doing regular exercise

to avoid sweets and to exercises regularly

to avoid eating sweets and to exercise regularly

To convert a direct question into indirect speech, several grammatical changes must occur:

The Conjunction: Since this is a "Yes/No" question (starting with the auxiliary verb "Have"), we must use "if" or "whether" to join the reporting verb to the reported clause.

Tense Shift: In reported speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense ("asked"), the tense of the quote shifts backward. Present Perfect ("Have done") changes to Past Perfect ("had done").

Pronoun Change: The pronoun "you" refers to "me," so it changes to "I." Similarly, the possessive pronoun "your" changes to "my."

Sentence Structure: In indirect speech, the question format (Verb + Subject) changes back into a statement format (Subject + Verb). Therefore, "Have you done" becomes "...if I had done."

He asked me whether I have done my homework.

He asked me whether had I done my homework.

When converting a sentence from Indirect Speech (Reported Speech) back to Direct Speech, you must reverse the grammatical "backshifting" that occurred:

Modal Verb Reversal: In reported speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the modal verb will shifts to would. Therefore, when reverting to direct speech, would must change back to its original form, will.

Pronoun Reversal: In the indirect sentence, the subject is he because someone else is reporting his words. In direct speech, we use the speaker's original words, so the pronoun shifts back to I.

Tense & Meaning: The sentence expresses a future intention. Using "will" in the direct form correctly captures the certain future intent reported by "would."

"I will join the meeting after lunch," he said.

"I would join the meeting after lunch," he said.

"I shall join the meeting after lunch," he said.

"I can join the meeting after lunch," he said.

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