Testimonial of Toppers

“I have gone through the e-book. The 3-step formula mentioned in the e-book can help in
getting very good accuracy in CSAT comprehension. Many examples from PYQs have been
used to explain various types of questions asked in the exam. This enhances the attractiveness
of this e-book. Further, Various Reading techniques mentioned can also be useful to
aspirants. I am sure Aspirants will benefit from reading the e-book.”
-Ayush Krishna
(Rank-6, IFOS 2021)
“E-book is highly recommended as It gives wonderful techniques to solve CSAT questions
that too with great accuracy. Further, it will improve the reading and application skills of
aspirants.”
Anjali Gupta
Appearing in UPSC CSE 2024 Interview
Appeared in UPSC CSE 2022,23 Interview
"This E-book is a One-Stop Solution for CSAT Comprehension for all UPSC aspirants
including Engineering background aspirants who often face difficulty in solving
Comprehension questions"
Uttam Singh
Appearing in UPSC CSE 2024 Interview
Cracked UPSC Prelims 4 times.
“Amazing work done by Gurudayal Sir. After reading this e-book, the comprehension part
of CSAT looks very doable with high accuracy. Thank you so much sir for giving such content
to students.”
Pallav Digra
Cleared UPSC Prelims 2023,2024
"Master CSAT Comprehension e-book is a game-changer for UPSC aspirants, addressing
critical challenges faced during CSAT preparation. This e-book instils a sense of predictability,
eradicates the fear of failure and boosts confidence to correctly solve comprehension
questions. A must-have for anyone aiming to conquer the CSAT paper!”
Abhishek Mishra
Appeared in CSE Mains
2
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 About Author

Gurudayal
IITian, 4 CSE Mains, 2 UPSC IFoS Interview

Gurudayal, an IIT Guwahati graduate, is a seasoned UPSC mentor and expert. He has
cracked UPSC Prelims 4 times consecutively, often scoring 30+ marks above the cutoff,
and appeared in the IFoS Interview twice, securing 174 marks in one attempt.
Through his UPSC Prelims Hacked e-book and live Q&A sessions, Gurudayal has
guided over 10,000+ UPSC aspirants. As the author of Master CSAT Comprehension, he
has helped aspirants overcome key challenges with practical, proven strategies.
His techniques, tested in real exams, empower aspirants to tackle the toughest Prelims
questions with confidence.

Contact number: +91-9340286104

Email id: [email protected]
Alternative email id: [email protected]
To know more Visit the Website: https://www.gurudayal.com/
3
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Disclaimer
Copyright Gurudayal © 2024
All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the
form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval the system, transmitted, or otherwise be
copied for public or private use—other than for “fair use” as brief quotations embodied in articles and
reviews—without prior written permission of the publisher. The intent of the author is only to offer information
of a general nature to help you in your quest for clearing the UPSC Prelims Exam a lot more easily. In the
event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, the author and the publisher assume no
responsibility for your actions.
Master CSAT Comprehension e-book is a work of nonfiction. Nonetheless, some names and personal
characteristics of individuals or events have been changed in order to disguise identities. Any resulting
resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental and unintentional.
gurudayal.com

Humble Request from your brother:

Please don’t share it unethically. Lots of hard work has been put into researching, writing,
and proofreading this document. I humbly request you to respect my hard work. If you want
to gift this e-book to your UPSC friends, please buy another copy of the e-book or share the
sample pdf. The price has been kept very nominal so that everyone can afford it. Thanks in
advance. Happy learning. Now, let’s make your UPSC Journey far more comfortable, and
easier. Let’s start.

4
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 Contents
Introduction: Overview of CSAT Paper ............................................................................................................................ 6
What is the Usefulness of this short guide? .................................................................................................................... 7
Part 1: ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Never ignore these 4 rules: Foundational Rules ............................................................................................................. 8
Cardinal Rule 1: ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Cardinal rule 2: ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Cardinal Rule 3: ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Cardinal Rule 4: ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Get Familiar with Reading comprehension questions: .................................................................................................. 10
Types of questions asked based on PYQs analysis......................................................................................................... 11
Part 2: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
The Best and Proven Approach for CSAT Comprehension: ........................................................................................... 13
Overview of Proven 3-Step Formula ............................................................................................................................. 13
Step 1: ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Step 2: ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Step 3: ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4 Negative Rules ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
3 Positive Rules ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
Part 3: How to double your reading speed with 100% comprehension? ...................................................................... 18
Part 4: Implementation Stage. ...................................................................................................................................... 21
‘Find Assumption’ Type of Questions ............................................................................................................................ 22
‘Find Inference’ Type of Questions ............................................................................................................................... 27
‘Find Corollary’ Types of Questions .............................................................................................................................. 31
‘Find Crucial Message’ Types of Questions ................................................................................................................... 33
What does the Author Imply or intend to say? Type of Questions ............................................................................... 36
‘Find Crux of the Passage’ Type of Questions ............................................................................................................... 39
‘Find the Central idea or Main idea of the passage’ ...................................................................................................... 43
Find ‘Summary’ type of question: ................................................................................................................................. 47
‘Find Practical Suggestion’ Type of Question: ............................................................................................................... 48
Find the ‘Underlying tone of the author’ ...................................................................................................................... 50
Miscellaneous type of question: Direct General studies Question & Answer type ....................................................... 51
Part 5 ............................................................................................................................................................................ 54
How to really get 55+ marks from the Comprehension section alone? ........................................................................ 54
5
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 Introduction: Overview of CSAT Paper

Overview of CSAT Paper

Reading
Logical Reasoning Maths
comprehension

On an average 27
questions are asked 15-25 questions 30-40 questions
each year

Topics Number of questions

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Reading Comprehension 27 28 27 25 30
Quantitative Aptitude 33 31 33 39 37
Reasoning 18 9 18 10 13
Data sufficiency & Interpretation 2 12 2 6 0

Significance of Comprehension Section in CSAT Paper:

1. With the right approach, you can get more than 55+ Marks from the comprehension
section alone.
2. Require less effort than other sections. Other section such as quantitative aptitude
requires learning a large number of topics.
3. The rising difficulty level of other sections such as quantitative aptitude makes the
comprehension section attractive. In the 2023 CSAT Paper, Quant was very difficult.
Those Aspirants whose Comprehension sections were good were able to get marks
above the cut-off more easily.
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 What is the Usefulness of this short guide?

Major Problems faced by the Aspirants What will you learn in this e-book?
while solving Reading Comprehension. Solution Of Aspirant Problems
1. Lack of Proven Approach. ✓ Proven 3-step formula to fully
understand and solve any
comprehension question with up to
100% Accuracy.
✓ Learn Foundational concepts to solve
Comprehension Questions.
2. Difficulty in fully understanding the ➢ Scientific fast reading and
passage understanding techniques used by
toppers.
3. Takes too much time (75-80 minutes) ✓ 4 Proven Techniques to increase your
to solve 27 Passage. reading speed 50% to 100% higher
with 100% comprehension than your
current reading speed.
4. Low accuracy. ➢ 4 Cardinal rules to skyrocket your
accuracy.
➢ Practice more than 30 PYQS together.
➢ The right mindset, the right way of
thinking.
➢ 2023, 2022, 2021 CSAT Paper Solved
with the approach.
5. 2 options seem correct. Get confused ✓ 3 Positive Rules.
between 2 options. ✓ 4 Negative rules to find the correct
option.
6. when time is less how to solve ➢ Above Mentioned 3 Positive rules and
comprehension without reading the 4 Negative rules will help you. Also,
passage. how to use your general knowledge,
and common sense to answer such
questions will be explained.

➢ Expected End Result: Correctly Solve all Reading comprehension questions

within 35 to 40 minutes with 100% accuracy.
7
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 Part 1:
Never ignore these 4 rules: Foundational Rules
Foundational / Cardinal Rules for Solving Comprehension
Questions:

Cardinal rule 1: The answer to the passage should ONLY be based upon the given
passage. You should not add & and use your prelims paper 1 knowledge while solving CSAT
Comprehension questions.
Please never ignore this advice otherwise you will make lots of mistakes. Many candidates
with great knowledge choose the wrong option because they go beyond the passage.
Even in an assumption type of question where there is a certain level of guesswork involved,
your thinking must be confined to the passage given.
To sum up, find the answer only based on the passage.
Even UPSC gives this direction. “Your answer to this item must be based on the passage
only”

Screenshot from CSAT Paper:

Cardinal rule 2: Use the deductive method to find the correct option. It means
your aim should be to find a statement that is either certainly true or certainly false.
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 By this method, you will eliminate 3 options. The remaining last option would be your
correct choice.
For example, let’s say there are 4 options A, B, C, D. When you follow the deductive
method, you need to find 3 options as 100% wrong. Let’s say those 3 options are A, C, D.
Then your correct answer will be option B.

Cardinal rule 3: If you are stuck, leave the passage. Answer such passage in 2nd
round. Remember time is the most important commodity in exams.
If you do not follow this cardinal rule, you may fail to solve enough questions to pass in
CSAT Paper.

Cardinal rule 4: Once You have arrived at the option that you think is right.
Then trust yourself, do not check your answer again & again. I have seen enough number of
aspirants who doubted their first considered decision and made the wrong option choice later
due to pressure.

How to best use this e-book?

Take the following Step-by-step Recommended Actions:
1. Read this e-book and or watch all foundational videos which are 2-3 hours in total.
2. Understand the part 1, 2, 3 of this e-book very well. These will build your foundation.
3. Then go to part 4. You will learn various types of questions asked with detailed
explanations on how to solve them. You will get lots of solved examples with detailed
explanations.
4. After reading this e-book, Solve CSAT Comprehension PYQs of 2024.
5. Refer the solved pdf for that year.
6. Repeat steps 4 &5 for 2023, 2022, and 2021 PYQs.
7. Then practice PYQs of any other year. (PYQs of a minimum last 5 years should be
practiced).
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 Get Familiar with Reading comprehension questions:
Let’s know the 3 different components of Reading Comprehension:
1. Question statement e.g. Find crux or inference, etc.
2. Passage: generally, consist of 4-6 statements.
3. Options

Question
statement

Options
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 Types of questions asked based on PYQs analysis

Crucial
message

Implication Inference

Types of
Questions

Assumption corollary

Other Types of Questions: Find

1. Crux
2. Summary
3. Intends to say/ Suggestion
4. Conclusion
5. And many more.
(The meaning of each term & and how to solve them are explained in detail later in this e-
book.) 11
Page
Types of Comprehension Questions Number of questions (year-wise)
2024 2023 2022 2021
1. Assumption 11 7 5 9
2. Inference 4 2 1 4
3. Corollary 0 0 0 1
4. Critical/Practical message 3 9 1 2
5. Imply/ Implication/Intends to say 1 4 1 2
6. Crux 2 3 1 2
7. Central Idea 3 0 2 4
8. Summary 0 0 1
9. Practical Suggestion 1 0 1 1
10. Tone of author 0 1 1 0

11. Miscellaneous- Direct Q&A types 2 1 15 1

Total 27 27 28 27

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 Part 2:
The Best and Proven Approach for CSAT
Comprehension:

Need for a Proven Approach for Reading Comprehension Section:

1. To get extremely high accuracy.
2. To solve the comprehension section (around 27 questions) within 35 minutes.
3. To score more than 55+ marks from the comprehension section alone
4. To comfortably crack CSAT Paper as the comprehension section consists of one-third
of CSAT Paper.
5. Best approach to fully understand the passage.
6. To find the right option among confusing options.

Overview of Proven 3-Step Formula: Best approach to

solve comprehension
Step 1: First read the question. It means First reading the directive line/question
sentence. Know what is being asked. For example, whether it is asking to find an
assumption, or a crucial message, etc. You need to properly understand the meaning of key
terms such as assumption, corollary etc.

Step 2: Read the passage. While you are reading, do the following acts
1. After reading every 3-4 lines, recall what you have read. If possible, aim to summarize
in 1-2 words per 2 lines of paragraph.
2. Underline or highlight the important word. Aim to underline at least 1 word per line.
3. If you are not able to understand some words of the passage, do not worry, try to
understand the meaning of the whole passage. Just focus on getting the essence and
overview of the passage while reading.

Step 3: Now read Options. Please keep in mind the following points while reading
options:
13

1. Find the Most logically appropriate/accurate option as a correct option.

Page
2. If you are not able to understand one option, then read the next option. Do not think too
much.
3. Keep in mind techniques for elimination of options: Positive rules and negative rules.

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 4 Negative Rules
These rules will help you eliminate options. Many aspirants get confused between 2 or 3
options out of 4 options. And they spend a lot of time thinking right option. Still, many times
such aspirants make mistakes. However, if you apply these techniques, you will be able to
correctly solve the comprehension question quickly. Also,
Some of these rules will also help in eliminating the option even without reading the
passage. Namely, Negative rules 1 and 2 will be very handy when you have less time for
solving comprehension questions.
In part 4 of this e-book, you will see lots of applications in comprehension questions. Right
now, your focus should be on learning these Negative rules.

NEGATIVE RULES 1: Extreme statement is wrong.

Q. How to Know which statement is the extreme statement?
Ans. Extreme statements contain the following keywords:
Always All none No, entirely
Mandatory Impossible Can Not Never
unlimited enormously Any, largest anywhere

1. ---------Statement gives a sense of Extremeness.

In general, for more than 95% time, the extreme statement is wrong. However, read the
passage well and try to understand the relevancy of such a statement to the passage. My well-
considered suggestion would be to ensure extreme caution when you are marking an extreme
statement as a correct choice.

NEGATIVE RULE 2: A very specific statement/Option is generally wrong. For example, if the
passage talks about fruit species found in India. But option talks only about mango fruit, then
such options are generally wrong. In general, a specific statement (option) focuses only on 1
part or 1 example.
This rule will be very helpful in arriving at the right option. Let’s assume you are confused
between 2 options. And if one of them is more specific than the other option. Then in most
cases, you can eliminate the specific statement as wrong.
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NEGATIVE RULE 3: Irrelevant statement (statement stating something that is not mentioned
in the passage) is wrong—for instance, let’s assume that the passage talks about fruit trees.
But the option is talking about timber trees or something like that.
This rule is extremely useful. Lots of options will be eliminated with the help of this rule.
To properly implement this rule, you will be required to know what the passage is talking
about.
NEGATIVE RULE 4: A statement that is opposite to the passage is generally incorrect.
Sometimes statement/option is the opposite of what has been told in the passage. In such cases,
you can consider them as wrong.

3 Positive Rules
poSitive rule 1: Logically correct statement is right.

poSitive rule 2: Broad statement (option)/ Progressive/ Positive statement (option) is

generally right.

poSitive rule 3: A statement (option) that denotes possibility or avoids extreme is more
likely to be correct. Such an option contains words like
To show possibility: may, might, can, could, etc.
To Avoid extreme: some, many, more, etc.

Q. When we have less time or almost no time to read the passage then how to solve
Reading Comprehension Questions without reading the passage?
Ans. Before answering, remember following techniques do not have 100% accuracy. This
should be done only as “lender of last resort”. Before applying in the final exam, these
techniques should be practised in PYQs.
Techniques:
16
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1. Quickly glance through the passage- just to get an idea of what the passage is talking
about. Then read the options.
2. Use the above Negative rules and Positive rules.
3. Use your general knowledge.
4. Use your common sense.
- Note: Steps 3 & 4 should be followed only if you have not read the passage properly.
Most of the time, the passage is taken from newspaper articles, some reports, etc. which
you already have studied in some form or other for your prelims paper 1. Therefore, we can
solve reading comprehension (RC) questions even without reading with good accuracy.
However, I would suggest following the Proven 3-Steps formula to get very high marks
in the comprehension section.

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Part 3: How to double your reading speed with 100%
comprehension?
How to complete the comprehension section in 35-40 minutes?
Do you believe that your reading speed is fixed and cannot be increased? Or do you believe
if you read fast, you will understand less?
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes then my friend you are not alone, I was
exactly like you 3 years before. However, all the above beliefs were broken after I read books
like Speed Reading book by Justin Hammond, Limitless book by Jim Kwik, and many other
books.
After learning these speed-reading techniques and mastering them, I have taught them to
many aspirants. And their response has been pretty welcoming.
Before getting to know what are the speed-reading techniques and benefits of reading fast.
Let’s understand the drawbacks of reading slowly. The most important problem is you take too
much time. Many times, students face difficulty in focusing because their brain starts
wandering due to reading slowly.

Benefits of reading fast (300-500 words per minute)

1. You will save time and energy. Just imagine that you have increased your reading speed
by just 20% from your current level with the same comprehension level, then how much
time you would be saving? You can complete 10 hours of studies in 8 hours. This will
give you 2 hours extra.
2. Reading fast will keep your mind alert.

speed-reading techniques:
Now, let’s understand the speed-reading techniques that can double your reading speed with
100% comprehension.

1. Stop reading out loud: it means start reading silently. This is because reading out
louder limits our reading speed to our talking speed. however, our mind can take
information at a much higher speed than talking speed.
- Many students think they read silently. However, they still read out loud not to the extent
others can listen. But they move their lips, tongue, etc. when they read. Also ensure that
18

your lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, are not moving. just monitor yourself.
Page

- This technique alone can increase your reading speed by more than 20-30%.
 - You understand what you read if you visualize the information through your
imagination.

2. VISUAL PACER: GIVE YOUR READING THE FINGER

- It means to use your finger or pen to point to the words when you’re reading.
- This technique increases reading speed because a finger or pen as a guide keeps
your eyes focused and prevents them from wandering. Using your finger to read
actually increases your reading speed because your eye is attracted to motion.
-using a pen or finger to guide the eye can increase your reading speed anywhere
between 25% to 50%.

3. Stopping Regression: it means directing your mind to understand the passage in one
reading. Do not keep on reading the same line again and again. Many aspirants reread
the same sentence twice despite they have understood it. This rereading has become a
habit.
- Practice this principle in a mock test. When practising in a mock test, read the passage
once then try to find out the right option.
Reason: When our mind knows that we can only read the passage once then it becomes
far more alert. Focus while reading enhances.
- Note: Only reread the sentence, only when it is absolutely essential. After a few days,
you will see that your habit of rereading the sentences has reduced. This will save you
a lot of time & help in completing the comprehension section faster.

If you want to increase your reading speed to even more. Then follow this 12-minute reading
exercise. To do this, you will need a book, timer, and pen/ finger.

4. 10+ 2 minutes Speed reading Practice: (4+3+2+1) +2 minutes exercise.

- Step 1: Set a timer for 4 minutes. Read comfortably for 4 minutes. Mark the last line up
to which you have read till now. This line will be your finish line.
- Step 2: Set a timer for 3 minutes. Now aim to read in 3 minutes what you have read in
step 1. Aim to reach the finish line
- Step 3: Set your alarm for 2 minutes. Do not worry about comprehension. Read in 2
minutes what you have read in step 1. Move your pen & eyes fast.
- Step 4: Set your alarm for 1 minute. Do your best to reach the finish line. I would
suggest, do not worry about comprehension. Read in 1 minute what you have read in
step 1.
- Step 5: Now set an alarm for 2 minutes. Start from the finish line to read a new section.
19

Read at a comfortable reading rate with comprehension. This will give your new normal
Page
 reading speed. You will notice that you have read a greater number of lines per minute
than in step 1.

This 12-minute reading practice is similar to a body workout done in the gym. It is a workout
for the brain. In a very few days, you will see significant improvement in your reading speed.
All these will help you solve the comprehension section within 35-40 minutes. These
techniques will also help in your studies for general studies.

5. Sit Straight: Your sitting posture also influences your comprehension ability. Sitting
straight increases blood flow to your brain. This helps in better functioning of the brain.
Therefore, Sit Straight. This also increases alertness.

20
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 Part 4: Implementation Stage.

Remember my friend, Knowing and Not implementing is the same as not knowing. We all
know this principle but many of us do not follow it- Practice makes us perfect. Therefore, I
would request you to practice as much as possible.

Having built the foundation for Reading Comprehension. Let’s now learn different types of
Questions asked in Reading Comprehension and how to solve them

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 ‘Find Assumption’ Type of Questions
Meaning: Assumption shows the preconceived notion of the author. To find an
assumption means to find what the author has already believed before writing the passage.
It is not stated directly in the passage. It has a huge scope for guesswork.

Example: let’s say there is a statement, Rehan has Cracked the CSE Exam. The assumption
can be:
1. Rehan is a hardworking person.
2. Rehan is intelligent.
3. He is disciplined.

Secret Tip: To Find the assumption of the passage, find the option that is most relevant to
the given passage. Many times, most options will not be relevant to the passage. Also, use the
Negative and positive rules mentioned earlier. Please see below examples
2021 PYQ. Q-24
Ans: D

Summary of passage: The passage highlights

the significance of GDP growth.

Assumption 1 is incorrect because the

passage does not define what the developed
country is.
- It also includes the extreme word ‘essential’
that also makes it less likely to be correct.

Assumption 2 is also incorrect because

- the passage does not provide information
regarding the ‘reasonable distribution of
income to all households.’
-It also includes the extreme word
‘guarantees, all’ that also makes it less likely
to be correct.
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2024 Ans. A
Assumption 1: is valid.
• This is a broad and progressive
statement.
• The passage emphasizes that food is
wasted throughout the supply chain,
suggesting inefficiency in the
distribution mechanism.
• Positive Rule 2 (broad/progressive
statements are generally correct)
applies here.

Assumption 2: is invalid.
• The passage discusses the
environmental impact of food
wastage but does not mention social
or moral responsibility.
• Negative Rule 3 (irrelevant
statements are wrong) applies. The
passage is about food wastage and
sustainability, not moral/social
duties.

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Note: The Answer key of the Vajiram and Ravi coaching institute has been used for the 2024
CSAT paper. This is because UPSC has not yet released its official answer key.
And for 2023, 2022, 2021, the actual UPSC CSAT Answer key is used.

2023 PYQ. Q-12

Ans: A
Explanation:
Imply is a verb. it means “to suggest or
indicate something without actually
saying it”.
And infer commonly means “to conclude
based on provided information”.
Option (a): is valid.
• The passage highlights inertia and
lethargy in adopting preventive
lifestyle changes, suggesting that
people may neglect prevention and
deal with health problems after they
arise.
• Positive Rule 1 (Logically Correct
Statements are Right):
Option (b): is invalid.
• Negative Rule 3 (Irrelevant
Statement): No mention of the
government’s role invalidates this
option.
Option (c): is invalid.
• The passage links environmental
problems to health issues, implying
that ignoring environmental issues
can harm health.
• Negative Rule 4 (Opposite
Statements are Wrong):
Option (d): is invalid.
• Irrelevant and Unmentioned:
The passage does not discuss
western influence or traditional
lifestyles.
• Negative Rule 3 (Irrelevant
Statement):
This introduces a new, unrelated
concept.
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2022 PYQ. Q-21,22,23

Ans 21: D
Explanation: Assumption 1 is incorrect. As stated in the passage “Much of this change is
brought about by affluent farmers in the West/America.”. The previous statement uses the
word ‘much’, not all. Therefore, we can infer that some development in agricultural
technology is also happening in developing countries. Further, Assumption also shows
extremeness which makes it less likely to be correct.
25
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 Assumption 2 is also incorrect. As stated in the passage “Techniques developed in the
West are being adapted in some places to make tropical crops more productive”. It is also
an extreme statement.
Ans 22: A
Assumption 1 is correct because the first few lines of the passage highlight the problem of
stagnant productivity of staples. The passage also says that the application of technology can
help in solving that problem.
Assumption 2: the passage provides no information about who wastes less food. So, it is an
irrelevant statement.

Ans 23: A
Assumption 1 is correct because the first few sentences of the passage highlight the problem
of stagnant productivity of staple crops. This problem may make growing food for future
generations a challenge.
Assumption 2 is not correct because the passage does not talk about corporate farming
anywhere.

2021 PYQ. Q-23

Ans. D
The passage gives various reasons for
increasing food prices.

Assumption 1 is incorrect because fuel

prices in the country may be because of
domestic factors. Also, the Passage does
not mention about role of oil-producing
countries. Assumption 1 is irrelevant.

Assumption 2 is also not correct because

the passage does not provide any
information regarding where the next
food crisis will happen.
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‘Find Inference’ Type of Questions
Meaning of Inference: An inference is a conclusion that you draw about something by
using the information provided in the passage. It means your conclusion (opinion) is based on
facts/figures/examples/ evidence given in the passage. Your opinion must be based on the
evidence given in the passage. No guesswork is involved.
Example: When you see a sad person; you infer he must be having some problem. you
inferred it using your observation by seeing his gloomy face. However, if you think that he is
sad because of some financial issue or relationship issue then this is (your) assumption.

2024 Ans. A
Option (a): is valid.
• The passage emphasizes a diverse
curriculum in the West that includes
computing, statistics, social sciences,
and geography.
• This aligns with Positive Rule 2
(broad/progressive statements are
correct).
Option (b): is invalid.
The passage mentions differences between
Indian and Western urban planning, but it
does not state that India’s city administration
lacks training or is under bureaucracy.
• This violates Negative Rule 3
(irrelevant statements are wrong).
Option (c): is invalid.
• This statement introduces a new idea
(insufficient funds and local
management) that is not discussed in
the passage. The focus of the passage
is on differences in planning education
and approach between the West and
India.
Option (d): is invalid.
• While this may be a true statement in
a general sense, it does not logically
follow from the passage. The passage
focuses on curriculum and planning
approaches, not on population or
poverty (Irrelevant statement).
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2023 PYQ. Q-22 Ans. B

The passage highlights the benefits of good

corporate governance.

Option 1 is incorrect. The passage does not

talk about the agenda of countries. The
passage simply tells the benefits of corporate
governance.

Option 2 is correct because the passage, in

the first sentence itself, says “Good corporate
governance structures encourage companies
to provide accountability and control.” We
can infer that This accountability will
improve the credibility of the firm.

Option 3 is incorrect because the passage

does not say this. As stated in the passage “A
fundamental reason why corporate
governance has moved onto the economic
and political agenda worldwide has been the
rapid growth in international capital
markets”. Rapid growth in the international
capital market has enhanced good corporate
governance but we can not say that it
ENSURE good corporate governance.

Option 4 is incorrect because it is irrelevant.

The passage does not talk about the supply
chain. 28
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2022 PYQ. Q-44 Ans. D

The passage highlights the benefits of

demographic dividend & how we can get
the most benefit out of it.

Inference statements 1 & 2 both are

incorrect because of their extremeness.
The word ‘essential’ makes them an
extreme statement.

Also, the passage in the last few lines

highlights the importance of education,
skill, etc. However, it does not specifically
mention higher education.

Inference 2 is also wrong because it is too

specific.

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Important Note: From now on, Try to solve the passage by yourself before checking the
answer on the right side of the table. Try to compare your reasoning with the reasoning given
by me in finding the right or wrong option.

2021 PYQ. Ans. C

Option 1 is incorrect because it is an extreme

statement. Also, the first line of the passage
says “Seditions, wars, and contempt or
breach of the laws ….as to the bad state of a
dominion”. It means in good dominion;
sedition may not happen.

Option 2 is incorrect because the first line of

the passage mentions that both subjects & a
bad state of dominion are responsible.
Option 2 goes against the passage.

Option 3 is logically correct. The passage

also talks about unity & framing laws with
sufficient forethought.

Option 4 is incorrect. It is also extreme. The

passage also does not mention this.

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 ‘Find Corollary’ Types of Questions
Meaning: Corollary is the conclusion drawn directly (by the Author) from what is given in
the passage.
• Corollary means a statement or a fact that is the natural and direct result of passage.
• It is the most immediate and Practical consequence of passage.
Secret Suggestion: For solving questions, you can consider them the same. there is not
much difference between corollary and inference.
2021 PYQ. Q-44 Ans. A

Passage summary: Both monetary policy

authority (central bank), and fiscal policy
authority can work with active support of
both. The passage highlights the
interdependent nature of the central bank &
the government.

Option 1 is correct. It is the most appropriate.

Option 2 is incorrect because the passage does not

mention what should the government regulate.

Option 3 is incorrect because it violated cardinal

rule 1. I am sure, you know cardinal rule 1. Are You?

Option 4 is incorrect the passage nowhere

mentions any reform needed.

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2019 PYQ. Ans: B

Summary: the passage highlights

the significance of digital big data
& its effect on global trade
negotiations.

Option 2 seems to be the most

logical conclusion (corollary). As
the passage itself mentions “global
trade negotiations are now eyeing
the digital area in an attempt to
pre-emptively colonise it…”

Option 1 is incorrect because the

passage nowhere mentions that
globalization undermines socio-
economic structure.

Option 3 is also incorrect because

it is too specific. Also, the passage
does not mention about rents India
should charge.

Option 4 is not mentioned.

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 ‘Find Crucial Message’ Types of Questions
Meaning: Crucial Message means the most important idea that a passage is trying to
communicate. It is often mentioned in the passage directly or indirectly.

2023 PYQ. Q-11

Ans: C

Passage Summary: the passage highlights

the adverse effects of climate change &
potential of technology in fighting climate
change.

Note: When finding a crucial message, the

last few lines hold huge significance.
Because in many cases, authors give hints
about the crucial message conveyed.

Explanation:
Option 1 is incorrect because the passage
says “Businesses that do not hedge (means
secure) against the threat of uncertain
outcome fail”. The passage does not say that
emission-causing businesses will close
down.

Option 2 is also incorrect because it goes

against the passage. The passage mentions
“Technological change, meanwhile, could
make a future transition away from fossil fuels
cheap or it might not...”

Option 3 is correct. As the passage mentions,

technology might not help.

Option 4 is irrelevant because the passage

does not talk about renewable energy
sources.
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2022 PYQ. Q-11
Ans: C

Summary: the passage discusses the

importance of trained, wisest & best
person in different fields of life.

Option 1 is incorrect because it goes

against the passage. The passage
mentions “Everyone who knows how to
get votes knows how to administer a
State.” This shows it talks about only
those politicians who know how to get
votes.

Option 2 is also incorrect because it is too

specific. Administration of a state
requires Politicians, civil servants, etc.
(While solving, you might have been
confused between options 2 & 3.)

Option 3 is correct because it is broad.

Also, the last line of the passage hints
towards this.

Option 4 is incorrect because it is against

the passage. The whole passage questions
the eligibility of politicians.

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2021 PYQ. Q-21 Ans. A

Summary: The passage highlights the

challenges before India in the energy
and climate decision-making field. It
also discusses steps being taken.

Option 1 is correct. India’s energy

decision-making process is complex
and interconnected because lots of
factors influence it (as mentioned in
the passage).

Option 2 is incorrect because

nowhere passage discuss Sustainable
development goals.

Option 3 is incorrect because it is not

mentioned. It is irrelevant.

Option 4 is also incorrect because it

goes against the passage. the passage
mentions that the energy decision-
making process with both the supply
and demand side.

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 What does the Author Imply or intend to say? Type of
Questions
Meaning: Imply means to suggest something in an indirect way or without actually saying
it.
Intend to say means something that you want to say, but either do not say or are unable to say
at the time.
Implication means the act of implying. In simple terms, implication means something that is
suggested or said indirectly. All 3 are almost the same. The ‘implication’ word is a noun, and
the ‘imply’ word is a verb.
Example: let’s say there is a statement “Civil service exam is the most prestigious exam in
the country. Millions apply in this exam but only a few succeed.”
The Implication or what does author intends to say or imply would be: Cracking the civil
service exam is difficult.

Secret Tip: From our exam perspective, for all 3 cases, we will find what the author is trying
to suggest directly or indirectly
2021 PYQ. Q-43 Ans: D

Summary: The passage highlights the

various problems in the banking system.

Option 1 is incorrect because nowhere

passage mention the role of the central
government in regulating & monitoring
lending. It is also less likely to be correct
because it is too specific compared to option
4.

Options 2 & 3 are also incorrect because

they are not mentioned in the passage.

Option 4 is correct. It is a broad, positive

statement. Structural reform includes lots of
positive changes. (Remember positive rule 2)
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2023 PYQ. Q-71 Ans: B

Summary: The passage mentions various

causes of unemployment challenges -
mainly rising educational levels &
greater willingness…

Option 1 is incorrect. The passage does

not talk about quality education.

Option 2 is correct. The passage

highlights this.

Option 3 is incorrect because the passage

does not discuss labour-intensive
industries. It is irrelevant.

Option 4 is also incorrect because

nowhere passage mention this.

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2022 PYQ
Ans 61: C

Summary: The passage highlights

the adverse effect of being
influenced by the opinions of others.

Options 1 & 2 & 4

are not mentioned.

The passage mentions “The majority

of people who fail to accumulate
money sufficient for their needs, are
generally…” This talks about only
those people who fail to accumulate
money sufficient for their needs.

Ans 62: A
The explanation for question 62 is
given on a later page.

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 ‘Find Crux of the Passage’ Type of Questions
Meaning: The crux is the most basic point of the passage. It is the central point of the
passage. the crux is the essential or decisive point.
Example: Are you able to recall scenes from 3 Idiots movie where Rancho gives a very long
definition of notebook? And when his professor asks “Kahna kya chahte ho?’’ (What do you
want to say?) then Rancho answers “Notebook sir!”. So, this answer of Rancho is the crux of
that long definition.
To find Crux, we focus on the most significant point of the passage and ignore other minor
points. The most significant point is mentioned again and again in the passage.
Secret Tip: in simplest terms, from our exam perspective, it is a one-line summary of the
passage.
2024 Ans. A

Option (a): is right

• Directly Reflects the Passage:
The passage repeatedly
emphasizes media responsibility
and the need for truthful
representation.
• Positive Rule 1 (Logically Correct
Statements are Right):
Option (b): is wrong. Opposite of
Passage's Message: The passage
advocates for truth and responsibility in
media, not the inevitability of fake news.
Option (c): is wrong
• Irrelevant to the Passage:
The passage focuses on accurate
media representation, not freedom
of expression or restrictions.
Option (d): is wrong
• Negative Rule 3 (Irrelevant
Statement):
The focus is on promoting
responsible behavior, not lack of
control.
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2022 PYQ. Q-34 Ans. D

Summary: The passage highlights the issue

of growing water demand due to rising
middle-class families.

Option 1 is incorrect. No such message has

been given.

Option 2 is incorrect because the passage

does not mention the need for developing
agricultural productivity.

Option 3 is also incorrect. The passage does

not talk about modern technological
developments.

Option 4 is correct. In the last 2 sentences of

the passage, this issue of increasing demand
for water is highlighted. Hence, this is the
most logical option.
-Though option 4 includes extreme word-
drastically, this is most relevant among all 4
given options.

40
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2023 PYQ. Q-13 Ans: B

Summary: The passage highlights the

importance of eating the right food & also,
the reasons behind people not eating the
right food.

Option 1 is incorrect because it is

irrelevant. The passage is about health, not
poverty elimination or universal basic
income.

Option 2 seems to be the most appropriate

among the given options. The passage
highlights various reasons people do not
eat the right food.
It is also broad as compared to options 3
& 4.

Options 3 & 4 are incorrect because the

passage does not mention genetically
modified crops or fortification. It is very
specific (Negative rule 2).

41
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2021 PYQ. Q- Ans: B

Option 1 is incorrect because the passage

does not talk about experiments in human
societies. It is irrelevant (Negative rule 3).

Option 2 is correct because the passage

highlights the problem of deterioration of
government due to excess of its basic
principle.
-As the passage mentions the reasons for
the deterioration of Aristocratic
government, oligarchic government, and
democracy.

Options 3 & 4 is an extreme option. They

contain extreme words.

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 ‘Find the Central idea or Main idea of the passage’
Meaning: The central refers to the main point or idea of something, while the crux is the
essential or decisive point.
Secret Tip: From our exam perspective, you can consider both the crux and central idea as
the same. You will not make mistakes by doing so.
2024 Ans. C
Option (a): is invalid.
• Extreme Statement:
The passage does not attribute
academic underperformance solely to
poverty. It mentions skill deficits and
systemic educational issues without
implying poverty is the only factor.
• Negative Rule 1 (Extreme Statements
are Wrong):
"Total eradication" is extreme and not
supported by the passage.

Option (b): is invalid.

No mention of incentives to parents or
teachers makes this option irrelevant.

Option (c): is valid.

• Broad and Logical Inference:
The passage highlights a gap between
competencies and aspirations. It
suggests that students expect to move
to higher education, but their skills are
lacking.
• Positive Rule 1 applicable

Option (d): is invalid.

• Irrelevant and Specific:
The passage mentions that students
don’t want to return to agriculture, but
it does not state that demographic
dividend depends on this.
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2021 PYQ. Q-41 Ans: A

Summary: the passage highlights the

importance of the civil state in
ensuring the existence of right or
wrong.

Option 1 is correct because this is

what the passage is saying. As
mentioned in the passage “sin cannot
be conceived in a natural state, but
only in a civil state…”

Option 2 is incorrect because it goes

against the passage (Negative rule 4).

Option 3 is also incorrect because

there is no concept of morality in a
natural state. As passage mentions
“Nothing can exist in a natural state
which can be called good or bad by
common assent…”

Option 4 is incorrect because what is

necessary for the survival of the
human species is not mentioned.
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2021 PYQ. Q-51 Ans: B

Summary: the passage informs about

the “flipped classroom” format being
used by the best universities in the
world. It also informs certain more
good work in the education sector by
them.

Option 1 is incorrect as the passage

supports a mixed model- "flipped
classroom" format, where students
listen to video lectures at home and
spend class time applying …”

Option 2 is correct. The central idea

of the passage is the benefits of a
“flipped system”.

Options 3 & 4 are irrelevant and not

mentioned in the passage (Negative
rule 3).

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2022 PYQ. Q-
Ans 61: C

Summary: The passage highlights

the adverse effect of being influenced
by the opinions of others.

Options 1 & 2 & 4 are not mentioned.

The passage mentions “The majority
of people who fail to accumulate
money sufficient for their needs, are
generally…” This talks about only
those people who fail to accumulate
money sufficient for their needs.

Ans 62: A

Option 1 is correct because this is

what the passage tries to convey.

Option 2 is irrelevant.

Option 3 is not mentioned in the

passage.

Option 4 is also incorrect because it

is too extreme as compared to option
1.

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 Find ‘Summary’ type of question:
Meaning: summary means grouping all the key ideas of the passage in a few lines. For
our practical use purpose, the summary of the passage is similar to the Crux of the passage.
I am sure you might have read the plot of some movies on Wikipedia. You might have
noticed that the dialogue of the whole movie is summarized in 15-20 lines. So those 15-20
lines are a summary of that movie.
Secret Tip: After reading the passage, Just think what the author is trying to say.
2021 PYQ. Q-71
Ans: C

Summary: the passage mentions the

economic benefits as the main reason for the
exploration of new places.

Option 1 is incorrect because the passage

does not mention all human endeavour.
Option 1 is also an extreme statement
(Negative rule 1).

Option 2 is also incorrect because the

passage does not talk about them.

Option 3 is correct. It also avoids extreme.

Option 4 is wrong because it is irrelevant. It

is not mentioned. Therefore, Option 3 is the
most appropriate and logical summary.

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 ‘Find Practical Suggestion’ Type of Question:

Secret tip: Read the passage then think what the passage is talking about. And what is the
passage suggesting? Your answer must be relevant to the passage. Your answer must be based
on the passage only.

2022 PYQ. Q-73

Ans: D

Summary: the passage mentions the

skewed distribution of precipitation
that causes flood & drought.

Option 1 is incorrect because

constructing concrete storage tanks will
not improve the underground water
level.

Option 2 is incorrect because the

passage does not talk about cropping
patterns and farming practices. It is
irrelevant (Negative rule 3).

Option 3 is also incorrect because

interlinking of rivers will not solve the
problem of skewed water availability.

Option 4 seems to be most appropriate

as dams can store water during excess
rainfall.
48
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2024 Ans. B

Option (a): is invalid.

• Irrelevant to Main Idea:
The passage focuses on carbon
sequestration, not on limestone
production for commercial use.
• Negative Rule 3 (Irrelevant
Statement):
There is no mention of cost,
practicality, or building purposes.
Option (b): is valid.
• Directly Supported by the Passage:
The passage highlights how carbon
dioxide is converted into stone,
suggesting that this method could
reduce atmospheric CO2.
• Positive Rule 1 (Logically Correct
Statements are Right):
Option (c): is invalid.
• Too Specific and Misleading:
The focus of the passage is not on
extracting minerals, but on locking
away carbon dioxide.
• Negative Rule 2 (Overly Specific
Statement): The mention of calcium
and magnesium is incidental, not the
main point.

Option (d): is invalid:

• The passage mentions the acidic
mixture, but the goal is carbon
sequestration, not acid production.
• Negative Rule 3 (Irrelevant
Statement):
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 Find the ‘Underlying tone of the author’

Meaning: The tone of the Author is the attitude of the author

The tone refers to the feeling the passage invokes in the reader. The tone can be positive,
negative, or neutral.

2022 PYQ. Q-51

Ans: A

Summary: The passage highlights the

significance of machines in increasing
leisure time.

Option 1 seems to be underlying tones. As

per the passage, the benefit of economic
progress is leisure. An educated population
can make the most of this.

Option 2 is incorrect as the passage does not

talk about all economic organizations.

Option 3 is incorrect. As the passage

mentions “If a leisured population is to be
happy, it must be an educated population,
and must be educated with a view to
enjoyment…” This proves that an educated
population does not always lead to the
happiness of its people.

Option 4 is also irrelevant. A passage does

not say machines should be encouraged.
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 Miscellaneous type of question: Direct General
studies Question & Answer type

Secret Tip: For this type of question, you will be necessarily required to read the passage.
Just follow the 3-step formula mentioned in the first part of this e-book. Also, apply positive
and negative rules to arrive at the final answer.

2023 PYQ. Q-73

Ans: D

Summary: the passage talks about

the goal of the state.

Options 1 & 2 & 3 all are very

specific. All these options only deal
with some parts of the passage.

While option 4 is a broad statement.

It almost includes almost everything
said in the best. (Positive rule 2)

Hence, Option 4 is the correct option

as it is most appropriate.

51
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2022 PYQ. Q-31, 32

Explanation: Q.31
52

Ans 31: C
Page
Statement 1 is correct. This is because the passage mentions “An outcome of this is the
extinction of those species which cannot overcome environmental adversity…”
Statement 2 is not correct. This is because does not provide any information about the genome
of all species. This is also an extreme statement (Negative rule 1).
Statement 3 is correct. As the passage mentions “This failure to survive, in modern terms, can
be attributed to the genomes which are unable to withstand geological vagaries or biological
mishaps…”
Statement 4 is also correct. As the passage mentions “In biological evolution on the earth,
extinction of species has been a major feature…”

Ans 32: B
Explanation: Q.32
The passage itself provides an answer to this question. As mentioned in the passage “The
Darwinian explanation for extinct life is ...organisms go extinct as a function of environmental
or biological assaults for which their inheritance deems them ill-equipped. Therefore, the so-
called Darwinian theory of evolution is not a theory at all…”

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 Part 5
How to really get 55+ marks from the
Comprehension section alone?
First, I would like to congratulate you because you have already built the foundation to
correctly solve all reading comprehension (RC) questions. You have also practised more than
30 various types of comprehension questions in the part 4 section of this e-book. I am sure this
learning would help you easily get 50-60 marks from the comprehension section alone.

However, as you know just reading books on how to swim, and practising for a few days
will not make you master in swimming. In the same way, I think you need to do 2 more things
to achieve mastery in RC Apart from what you have learned.
1. 15 Minutes RC Mastery Practice:
-Aim to solve 7 RC Questions in 10 minutes. Apply whatever you learnt till now.
- and in the next 5 minutes, Analyze your accuracy. Learn from mistakes. If you make
any question wrong then ask yourself why you choose that option as correct.

Purpose of this 15-minute exercise:

- Solve the last 5 years of CSAT Comprehension PYQ.
- Get confidence
- Find areas of improvement
- Get a high score in the comprehension section- minimum 55+ marks.
- Easily crack CSAT Paper.
Important: Decide now the time & place of doing 15 Minutes RC Mastery Practice.
Suggestion: you can do this practice just before or after the dinner. Do not sleep before
practising.

2. If you follow this suggestion, you will increase your ability to quickly understand. You
will also be able to remember whatever you have studied for a longer time (Very
important for Prelims paper 1 & mains paper). The suggestion is
- Active Recall Method: Recall whatever you have read after every page of the
study. Research has proven that Active Recall enhances comprehension ability and
also builds long-term memory.
- Try to find a connection between the previous topic and the current topic. This will
54

enhance the connection between brain neurons which store various memories.
Page
Thanks for reading and preparing yourself for the ever-growing unpredictability of UPSC
CSAT Comprehension. Remember my friend, Knowing and Not implementing is the same as
not knowing. You have learned these techniques so now Be ready to implement them in PYQs.

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