Can You Solve These Tricky UPSC CSE Prelims Questions?

May 25, 2026 abhishek77

Ahead of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) on Sunday, here are some quirky yet brain-teasing questions from the Union Public Service Commission CSE Prelims 2025 that left not just aspirants, but even non-aspirants intrigued. Photo: AI Generated

QUESTION

Consider the following: I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None Photo: AI Generated

Answer of question

This question revealed the ubiquitous prevalence of plastic by demonstrating that cigarette butts, eyeglass lenses, and even car tyres contain plastic, defying traditional views about pollution. According to the unofficial answer key, the correct answer is option C. Photo: AI Generated

QUESTION

Consider the following statements: I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days. II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Photo: AI Generated

Answer of question

What makes this question amusing is that two cities separated by a short flight can’t even agree on what day it is, reminding aspirants that geography can casually mess with time itself. According to the unofficial answer key, the correct answer is option A. Photo: AI Generated

QUESTION

Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23: I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India. III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric-producing States in India. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III Photo: AI Generated

Answer of question

What made this question feel “out of syllabus” for many aspirants was that turmeric — something found in almost every Indian kitchen — suddenly required knowledge of export rankings and state-wise production patterns. According to unofficial answer keys, the correct answer was option D. Photo: AI Generated

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