SSC CGL — Tier 1 — 2025 — 16 Sep 2025 — Shift II — Official Paper — Kerala PSC PYQ Practice with Answers

Correct answer (Option B):\nThe given series is m_nm_n__nm__.\nLet us test the pattern by substituting option B (aamaan) into the blanks.\nSubstituting the letters sequentially into the gaps gives:\nmanmanmanman\nThe complete series forms a repeating pattern of the three-letter word 'man'.\nTherefore, the missing letters are a, a, m, a, a, n.\nOption B is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A results in maanamnnnnma, which has no repeating pattern.\nOption C forms mmnmnonmoooo, which shows no logical sequence.\nOption D produces maanamnnmmma, which breaks the consistency.\n\nStudy tip:\nIn continuous letter series, count the total positions including blanks (here 12) and check for common factors like groups of 3 or 4 to identify a repeating pattern.

Correct answer (Option A):\nLet us find the mathematical logic behind the operations.\nFor 5 + 3 = 16:\nPattern: (First number + Second number) × (First number - Second number)\n(5 + 3) × (5 - 3) = 8 × 2 = 16\n\nFor 7 + 4 = 33:\n(7 + 4) × (7 - 4) = 11 × 3 = 33\n\nApplying this logic to 6 + 2:\nStep 1: (6 + 2) × (6 - 2)\nStep 2: 8 × 4\nStep 3: 32\nOption A is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption B (14) represents a simple addition of 6 and 2 with an arbitrary addition of 6, failing the established pattern.\nOption C (16) misapplies the logic from the first example without altering values based on the inputs.\nOption D (18) is mathematically incorrect under the given rule.\n\nStudy tip:\nNumber operations in reasoning frequently leverage standard algebraic identities like a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). Always verify the pattern across all examples provided.

Correct answer (Option C):\nLet us analyze the differences between consecutive numbers in the series:\n6 - 2 = 4\n14 - 6 = 8\n30 - 14 = 16\n\nThe differences follow a geometric progression where each difference is multiplied by 2: 4, 8, 16, 32, 64.\nStep 1: The next difference must be 16 × 2 = 32.\nStep 2: Missing term = 30 + 32 = 62.\nStep 3: Verify the subsequent term: 62 + 64 = 126. This matches the last number.\nOption C is correct.\n\nAlternative Logic:\nEach term follows the pattern: Next term = (Current term × 2) + 2\n(2 × 2) + 2 = 6\n(6 × 2) + 2 = 14\n(14 × 2) + 2 = 30\n(30 × 2) + 2 = 62\n(62 × 2) + 2 = 126\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A (46) is a shallow addition that does not fit the exponential scaling of the sequence.\nOption B (60) assumes a different constant step that breaks consistency.\nOption D (64) is a near-miss that occurs if you fail to add the extra 2 in the alternative logic or miscalculate the step difference.\n\nStudy tip:\nWhen dealing with series that rapidly increase, check if the common difference doubles or if the terms follow a multiple-based recursive equation like x_n = 2x_{n-1} + c.

Correct answer (Option A):\nAssumption I is implicit because the harmful environmental effect of plastic is scientifically rooted in its non-biodegradable nature, making it a foundational premise for the statement.\nAssumption II is not implicit because making a statement about environmental harm does not automatically require or imply that the entire population is already fully conscious or aware of that specific damage.\nOption A is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption B is incorrect because general public awareness cannot be assumed simply based on a factual statement regarding environmental harm.\nOption C is incorrect because it falsely assumes both statements are implicit.\nOption D is incorrect because Assumption I is logically grounded and necessary for the truth of the statement.\n\nStudy tip:\nAn assumption is something taken for granted or foundational to making a statement. It must follow logically as a prerequisite, rather than an outcome, of the assertion.

Correct answer (Option C):\nLet us analyze the progression of terms in the series:\n3¹ = 3\n3² = 9\n3³ = 27\n\nThe sequence represents the successive powers of 3, or a geometric progression where each term is multiplied by 3.\nStep 1: The missing term must be 3⁴ or 27 × 3.\nStep 2: 27 × 3 = 81.\nStep 3: Check the subsequent term: 81 × 3 = 243. This perfectly matches the final term.\nOption C is correct.\n\nWhy others are wrong:\nOption A (54) results from simply multiplying the previous term by 2, which breaks the triple multiplication rule.\nOption B (72) and Option D (90) do not conform to any consistent geometric or arithmetic progression with the remaining terms.\n\nStudy tip:\nAlways test for base powers (like 2ⁿ, 3ⁿ, 5ⁿ) when a sequence scales rapidly in a uniform multiplicative manner.